GUIDE / SALT WATER POOL
What type of salt should I use in my pool and why?
The popularity of salt pools brings many questions. However, there are not many answers, even though many pool companies are unable to answer these questions.
What type of salt should I use for my saltwater pool?
In a pool with a Pentair, Hayward or other salt chlorine generator, you should use mined and washed salt. Always use salt that is 95% pure or higher. The purer it is, the less likely it is to stain the pool or damage equipment. To prolong the life of your salt cell, always use a premium quality product.
Here are the 3 types of salt for your pool.
Although there are several different types of salt, only three types can be used in your pool. Solar salt, mechanically evaporated salt and mined and washed salt.
Solar salt
Solar salt is sea water. This water is diverted to a holding area where the sun evaporates the water, leaving the salt. This technique brings a significant amount of matter and organic waste, what we call in our business an impurity. To destroy this impurity, the salt system must work harder to create chlorine to remove this organic matter.
Mechanically evaporated salt
Mechanically evaporated salt is also made from seawater, but it is heated mechanically rather than evaporated in the sun. Because the heat levels are controlled, they are more precise and effective at killing bacteria.
While this method kills bacteria and microorganisms, it also creates a very mineral-rich salt, which contains pure salt mixed with calcium, magnesium, copper, nitrite and other minerals.
None of these elements are good to put in your pool. Most of the above elements do not affect the cleanliness of the water but rather its balance. They can also affect your salt cell and stain your pool.
Mined and washed salt
Mined salt is mined from the earth. It is pure salt, free of biological contaminants, with few additional minerals. Its average pure sodium chloride content ranges from 95 to 99 percent. Because of its purity and lack of contaminants, mined salt is considered the best source to use in swimming pools. Some companies like Pristiva go so far as to wash this salt 3 times (triple wash).
So pool salt is not « just salt », it is much more than that.
The quality of salt you use makes a huge difference in the life of your salt system and your enjoyment of your pool. By knowing this, you are in a position to make the right choice regarding the type of salt you will use in the future.
